Mommy Toolbox Provides an Extra Hand
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When was your brand born, and what was the initial inspiration?
“My brand was born in the fall of 2008. I was inspired by a good friend who was constantly trying to use ill-fitting clips of different styles to hang her purse from her stroller. I was convinced that there must be one that was the perfect size, but there wasn’t—they were all either too small or way too huge. I researched the best shape, and came up with the Carabean!
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What was your experience prior to the brand launch?
“Prior to the brand launch, I had no previous experience running my own LLC. Manufacturing overseas, licensing, trade shows…it has all been a learning experience. I have really enjoyed learning from other business owners, as I discover more and more that we are all in the same boat! I enjoy being around such varying degrees of experience, and meeting educated and savvy people to learn from.
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What was the biggest challenge you faced when starting?
“The biggest challenge was finding the perfect manufacturer, then perfecting the design. This entire process took significantly longer than expected, but was worth the wait!
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What is one thing you would have done differently?
“One thing I would have done differently is launch with fewer colors. The initial Carabean launch was 6 colors, and stocking all 6 was quite a task. Once we discovered everyone’s favorites, we cut back to 4 colors.
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What do you feel are the three biggest keys to your success?
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- Great customer service
- Tools that are simple to use and accessible to all different types of buyers
- Learning something new and useful every day—whether from buyers, other business owners, or the Internet, it’s important to try and stay afloat of the amazing amount of information available to us.
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Describe a typical new product development cycle for your business?
“A new product development cycle usually begins with me wishing I had something, then sorting out what exactly it should be. After I brainstorm the ideal, I research and tweak. Often there are multiple rounds of samples, and then I let children and parents try them out.
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Do “green” or eco-friendly concerns influence your business decisions, and if so, how?
“Eco-mindedness is definitely a part of my life, although it has been a challenge with a business that requires overseas manufacturing. We are constantly researching domestic options, and looking into other ways to be more green. One thing we do is ship all orders in recycled and reused boxes. Buyers may be surprised when a Mommy Toolbox order arrives in a humidifier box, but we are always proud when the existing is the perfect option!
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What is one new trend you’re seeing in the marketplace?
“A trend I have noticed lately is people are scaling back a bit—this is why we have no minimums. It keeps our products accessible to stores and consumers.
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How does your business make use of the Internet?
“Word of mouth has so far been the best, although we have high hopes for The Giggle Guide!
Mommy Toolbox utilizes the Internet with facebook, twitter, a blog, and several reviews from mommy bloggers. It is a fantastic way to reach people.
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What is the biggest challenge your business faces today?
“The biggest challenge we face today is taking the next step. We are working toward our first major chain, and hope to reach that goal soon.
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What is one change/addition that’s had a positive impact for your business in the last year?
“This year we added the Tool Belt and Tool Box, and both are being loved by those who have them. We are excited about this.
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What is your one piece of advice for someone entering the children’s market?
“My advice is—you don’t know everything, and no one does. Don’t be afraid to be friendly to other business owners and people you meet at trade shows. These are the people who will teach you the most!
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About Mommy Toolbox
Mommy Toolbox manufactures a line of sturdy aluminum clips designed to hold just about anything a parent might need. Carabeans are easy to use, dependable, and stylish. The clips are similar to sporting goods carabiner clips, but redesigned to work for families.They are wider, softer and bigger than the average clip.
Carabeans come in four colors and are coated with lead-free rubber paint. The 4 1/4” tall by 3 3/4” wide kidney bean shaped clip can fit over the handle of a stroller, shopping cart, or bicycle, and hold anything from grocery bags to beach towels to kids’ toys.
In addition to the original Mommy Toolbox Carabean, the company has introduced Tent in a Bag for at-home fun, a Spring Bean that is useful for securing towels and tablecloths, a diaper caddy carryall Tool Box and a Tool Belt.
For more information, visit www.mommytoolbox.com
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